The part that you have all been waiting for...ship life! I figured the transatlantic cruise being practically the end of my contract would be the perfect time to share some photos and tales with you about what its like to live on a ship.
You think it's all sunsets and rainbows or something?....well it is!
And then there's boat drill every week.
We are kind of like a big family. The entertainment department consists of an orchestra, a jazz band, a string trio, an a cappella group, a full dancing singing production cast, specialty acts (adage and contortion etc), youth staff team and activities staff team. And of course what would the ship be without its very own glassblowing team?!
Now our department is very privileged with more lenient hours, better accommodations and allowed in almost all guest areas. We are often running on similar schedules so we tend to hang out with each other quite a bit in our off time both on the ship and at port.
The ship has a whole life for crew members below guest decks. Housing, cafeteria, gym, library, bars, game room. They also hold several events each cruise from bingo to DJ nights to access to the pools and spas in guest areas, to wine and cheese. Crew welfare puts this schedule together and they do a pretty good job I have to say. Too bad most of the crew works 14 hour days and are too tired to play afterwards.
We sometimes take it upon ourselves for a good time- like our trivia nights we run! They have progressed to power point presentations and candy prizes. It's serious.
Now for a quick tour of our vessel. The Celebrity Eclipse weighs 122,000 tons with the ability to hold about 2,800 passengers and 1,200 crew members. Decks 3-16 are for the guests and everything below is a mystery. Due to superstition there is no deck 13! I cannot believe how this place operates. There is even a jail, a morgue and a medical facility. I haven't personally seen the jail or the morgue but rumor has it it is next to the walk in freezer (for overflow ya know?). Kidding!
Let's start with a tour with the top deck. Plenty of room to stretch your legs!!! You know try to let the contortionist teach you how to do a split.
Deck 15 we of course have a lawn and really amazing lawn keepers who make sure it stays green and soft for bocce, croquet, mini golf and all other sorts of lawn shenanigans. It is actually real grass.
Now the pools (indoor and out), the spa and the gym are located on deck 12. Other than that Decks 3-5 have most of the entertainment. There is a library, an apple store, a card room, a coffee bar, gelateria, a casino, stores with chachkis and clothes, a full theater and many many other nooks and crannies to entertain you. I'm just getting into the bars, lounges and food options...
My favorite place on the ship is the Ensemble lounge. I call this "the living room" because it was my favorite venue for music and the most comfortable couches. The jazz band 4Tune was one of many to play here and I would come watch them on a regular basis. You have to keep it classy and follow dress codes if you plan on being in guest areas. Especially after 6pm and even more so on the "formal nights" of the cruise.
In the mood for a cocktail? There is a wine cellar, a martini bar, pool side bars, the molecular bar with liquid chefs...how about wherever you are sitting someone will serve you a drink! Cheers boys!!
Keep it classy!
Don't feel like dressing up to go above decks? No fear, my party pants are here! Grab your favorite glass and costume and head to a friend's cabin or mingle in Mingles Bar for the crew.
There's that Halloween costume I was alluding to.
It's not all about having a jolly good time kids. We have to work out and look good too. Luckily there is a great gym on board which we can use! Stay buff! (no but seriously it's a good idea to get a gym buddy because if you think you eat a lot taking a cruise- try being on board for 4 months).
Ahh yes! The food! There is a 2 floor main dining room that every stateroom has an assigned table to. If you aren't in the mood for looking dressed hit the Ocean View Cafe which is buffet style food and very casual- or the creperie! If you are feeling like dressing up and spending a little extra money for a fancy night out you can try several of the specialty restaurants on board. As crew we need to make a reservation in any of the special restaurants and main dining room. But the maitre d' is always very kind and accommodating.
The main dining room.
Tuscan, the Italian steakhouse. My favorite! And I never order steak.
A little tiramisu or some antipasti?
Q-sine is the most unique eating experience. Family style. They take things quite literally there with spring rolls and strawberry fields and such. It's a bit modern with ipad menus and rubix cube desert menus. And this cube of mediterranean goodness is the best!
And a good rule to have living on the ship...Look you're best and bring a hott date!
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